Respect and dignity matter
Where there is respect and dignity there is safety. There is stability. There is space to be brave, to be ourselves.
Respect and dignity creates an environment where people are not judged for who they are, where they are born, who they love or who they choose to be. Respect and dignity ensures that people are individuals. They are not defined by their HIV status, their actions or their behaviours.
Where there is respect and dignity, individuals create communities. Healthy, thriving communities where the future is filled with opportunity and hope. Where women and girls are equal to men and boys.
Respect and dignity is about moving from tolerance to acceptance. It’s about accepting people as they are when they show who they really are. It puts a person’s needs in front of where they come from, who they love, what they do or who they have sex with.
Where there is respect and dignity, a young woman can seek the information and means to protect herself from HIV and gender-based violence without fear of judgement or reprisal. A young gay man can access condoms and lubricants without worrying that he may be targeted for harassment.
Where there is respect and dignity, a pregnant woman can ask for an HIV test without fearing that her family will reject her. It creates space for a person who injects drugs can to seek treatment for HIV without risking imprisonment, or worse.
Where there is respect and dignity, people can access the information they need to keep themselves healthy. They can seek health services knowing that they will be treated professionally and that they will be given the best possible health care. They can apply for a job, or a house or a loan and know that they will be considered fairly. They can be active, committed citizens and their contribution to the community will be welcomed and valued.
Respect and dignity is about challenging society. It’s about moving from individual acceptance to taking a stand and challenging those who do not demonstrate acceptance. It’s about moving from passive observers to active agents of change against discrimination.
Commit to respect and dignity. The return is priceless.